Garcia, Hontiveros call for heritage protection

CEBU, Philippines — Outgoing Mayor Raymond Garcia expressed hope that the incoming administration and other stakeholders will remain committed to preserving the city’s heritage, while outgoing Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros also encouraged continued collaboration among all sectors.

Garcia, who graced a local heritage forum held at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño’s Aula Magna, emphasized the need for leaders to be passionate about Cebu’s history and culture, and to ensure the protection of the city’s heritage sites and structures.

“This ‘Local Heritage Forum’ is not only timely, it is essential. As we face the challenges of urban growth, changing landscapes, and fast-paced development, our sense of history and identity must remain anchored,” Garcia said.

He underscored that genuine conservation efforts require passion and dedication.

“Kaning pag-preserve and conserve sa atoang heritage and even the built structures that we have within this area, it really requires people who love history and who love heritage. They should be passionate about it, otherwise, nothing will happen to our heritage district,” he added.

Garcia recently lost his mayoral bid to City Councilor Nestor Archival during the May 12 midterm elections.

The forum was attended by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) advisory board member Dr. Jose Eleazar Bersales, Atty. Aliko Jasmine Garganera, Architect Joseph Michael Espina, Architect Ma. Lourdes Onozawa, Architect Vangie Cheryl Ulila, and Engr. Joshua James Ng, as reported by the City’s Public Information Office.

Discussions during the forum covered local ordinances on heritage protection and preservation, the Cebu Heritage District, and the 2024 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11961, which amended the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. Other topics included building regulations and heritage compliance, urban growth and land expansion, as well as the importance of cultural mapping and documentation.

Hontiveros also emphasized the significance of unity in heritage preservation efforts.

“Again, this is not only an exchange of ideas; it is a collaboration, a commitment, and a movement. So, akong gi-encourage ang tanan to share your insights—your voice matters, your actions matter—and together, we can ensure that Cebu’s legacy stands the test of time,” Hontiveros said.

In a related development, the Cebu City Government commemorated the national flag day at Plaza Sugbo, in front of City Hall, on Tuesday.

“We pay tribute not only to our national colors but also the ideals that they represent: courage, peace, truth, and justice. The Philippine flag is more than a symbol; it is the embodiment of our people’s enduring hope and collective struggle for freedom,” said Hontiveros, who also chairs the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC).

Garcia echoed his sentiments.

“This year, as we face the future with bold determination, let us remember: the strength of our flag [lies] not in the fabric, but in the people it represents. A people who rise, rebuild, and never back down,” Garcia said.

Garcia also called on the younger generation to view the Philippine flag as a call to uphold bravery, unity, and patriotism. —/FPL (FREEMAN)